The actions carried out by the lawyers and citizens detained on March 21 as well as those who came to protest have been peaceful—street protests, hunger strikes, statements, open letters, signature campaigns, and legal complaints.

Yet, from sources on the ground and online posts of those who were involved in or witnessed the police actions, HRIC has learned that authorities in Jiansanjiang have, in response, used terror tactics, thug-like violence, and various other unlawful means to attempt to stop the protest, including pre-dawn raids into hotel rooms without warrants, putting black hoods over the heads of the people they are taking into custody, and beating detainees during questioning.

To date, at least 42 lawyers and citizens are known to have come to Jiansanjiang to show their support, and more are expected to arrive in the near future.

Click here for details of the actions carried out by both the lawyers and citizens and the Jiansanjiang authorities.